Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring the Oguta Wetlands Initiative’s projects align with environmental conservation and community priorities.
Prof. Afamdi Anene is a Nigerian academic and Professor at the Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, Umuahia. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Jos, an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, and a Ph.D. from the University of Port Harcourt. His expertise spans fisheries biology, fish nutrition, and aquatic ecology. As a consultant, he has led environmental assessments across Nigeria and West Africa for major oil and ecological organizations. With over 47 publications, Prof. Anene has served as Head of Department, Dean, examiner, and assessor, and has represented Nigeria at several international conferences.
James Agbasoga, a 1979 graduate of Hussey College, Warri, studied at Eastern Washington University and earned a degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Southwest Texas State University. He began his career with the City of Austin, earning an Award for Excellence and Volunteerism, before obtaining a Certified Quality Engineering (CQE) certification and working with IBM and Motorola in technical and leadership roles. Later, he ran a successful automotive repair and sales business until his retirement in 2025. A dedicated community leader, he served as President Emeritus of OOPA and the Austin Eagles Soccer Club, leaving a lasting legacy of service and leadership.
Dr. Uchenna Nwabata I. Agorua is a Nigerian academic and researcher with expertise in Fisheries and Hydrobiology. She obtained her B.Sc. in Animal and Environmental Biology from Imo State University in 2008, followed by an M.Sc. (2014) and Ph.D. (2022) in Fisheries and Hydrobiology from the University of Port Harcourt. With over 13 years of teaching and research experience, she currently lectures at Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma. Her professional interests include aquatic ecosystem conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development. This reflects her dedication to promoting the balance between ecological preservation and socio-economic advancement.
Emmanuel IK Onumonu is a Senior Policy Analyst with Alberta’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals and a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in energy policy, wetland management, and environmental compliance. His work spans CCUS regulation, liability frameworks, and environmental assessments, including ESA and EIA projects for oil and gas operations. Ikechukwu holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering (University of Lagos), Industrial Engineering (University of Benin), and Environmental Engineering (Memorial University of Newfoundland). A graduate of Saint Patrick’s College, Asaba, he combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to sustainable resource management.
Ebini Pius Nwapa is a 3rd Class Power Engineer with Rio Tinto and a graduate of Imo State University, Nigeria, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics. With a solid foundation in technical operations and a deep interest in sustainability, he advocates for environmentally responsible development. Passionate about wetland restoration, agro-tourism, and eco-friendly land management, Ebini believes industrial advancement should align with environmental preservation. His work and interests reflect a commitment to integrating innovation, conservation, and community growth to ensure a balanced coexistence between human progress and the natural ecosystems that sustain it.
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Progress so far
We are in the early, crucial stages of restoring the Oguta wetlands—where science meets community action, data drives decision-making, and every sample collected brings us closer to cleaner water and ecological renewal.
Join us
Become a member, share our mission, and support the cause through donations or time. Together, we can restore Oguta’s wetlands, protect biodiversity, and create lasting change for communities and future generations.
Legacy Project
Create a living memorial today. Honor your loved one eternally while restoring Oguta’s wetlands, empowering future generations, and protecting nature. Choose your legacy path and begin a story that never ends.